System for licensing mobile applications, features, and devices

ABSTRACT

A system for licensing an application or feature for use on a wireless mobile device is disclosed. The wireless mobile device is provided to a user with a licensable application or feature, but the application or feature has not been fully authorized for use. When the wireless device receives a request to use the application or feature, the wireless device operates the requested application or feature, and generates an irrevocable license request. The license request is transmitted to a license server at a time convenient for the wireless device. The license server generates a license certificate to the application or feature, and transmits the license certificate to the wireless mobile device. The wireless device receives the license certificate, which is stored in local memory. Accordingly, the application or feature is now fully licensed for future operation on the wireless mobile device. The license server operates accounting processes to generate license reports and license accounting information.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of US Patent Applicationentitled “SYSTEM FOR LICENSING MOBILE APPLICATIONS, FEATURES, ANDDEVICES”, Ser. No. 11/344,697, docket number UTL 00584 filed on Jan. 31,2006 and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of wirelesscommunication devices, and, more particularly, to a wireless mobile unitoperating licensable mobile applications and selectable features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless communication devices are widely used, and have become anessential aspect of modern life. Wireless communication devices such aspagers, mobile phones, text pagers, PDAs (personal data assistants), andPMPs (portable media players) are used for work, for personalactivities, for entertainment, and as a way to keep in contact withfamily and friends. These wireless devices are increasingly available incars, boats, appliances, and entertainment equipment. As the number andtype of these wireless devices increase, application developers continueto provide exiting and innovative applications to make the wirelessdevices easier to use, and to enhance their usefulness.

These wireless devices most often access a wireless network according towell defined and well established air interfaces or standards. Forexample, wireless handsets may operate according to the CDMA, WCDMA,UMTS, CDMA2000, GSM, EDGE, PHS, AMPS, Wi-Fi, WiMax, or other standard.Wireless communications systems generally have base stations andantennas which communicate with mobile wireless devices. These wirelessdevices may accommodate voice communication as well as datacommunication.

Consumers are continually requesting more advanced features on mobiledevices, while at the same time expecting stable or even reduced costs.This demand for features, coupled with cost pressures, puts tremendouspressure on wireless carrier companies and device manufacturers toprovide accessibility to advanced features, but without unduly burdeningthe cost of the wireless devices. To control costs, wireless devicemanufacturers may attempt to reduce the number of available models,thereby allowing for the cost advantages of large scale manufacturing.However, to appeal to a wide range of consumers, each device model willhave a wide range of installed and active features. For example, atypical wireless handset may include a camera, video capture capability,sound file capture, audio (i.e. MP3, AAC, etc.) player capability, andimage manipulation functions. Many consumers will never use some ofthese features, and some users may only use the handset for its voicecapability. However, some of these features are provided pursuant topaid licenses. In one example, a license fee may be paid for includingan MP3 decoder in a wireless handset. In a typical license arrangement,the fee is paid for every device sold, irrespective of whether or notthe decoder is actually ever used. This arrangement seems unfair to thewireless carrier and device manufacturers, and unnecessarily adds costto wireless devices. However, no viable alternative licensing system hasyet to be provided.

In this regard, pay-per-use arrangements have been tried, but consumerstypically expect that features, such as MP3 decoders, are provided withfully paid up licenses. Also, it has been suggested that consumersregister to obtain rights to use certain features, but carriers andmanufacturers are unlikely to implement any license process that adds aburden to the consumer. More particularly, consumers are less likely topurchase, or repurchase from the same carrier or manufacturer, if theconsumer perceives that the provided features were difficult toactivate. Therefore, there exists a need for a licensing arrangementthat is transparent to the consumer, but enables an accurate and fairimplementation of a licensing program.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention provides a system for licensing anapplication or feature for use on a wireless mobile device. The wirelessmobile device is provided to a user with a licensable application orfeature, but the application or feature has not been fully authorizedfor use. When the wireless device receives a request to use theapplication or feature, the wireless device operates the requestedapplication or feature, and generates an irrevocable license request.The license request is transmitted to a license server at a timeconvenient for the wireless device. The license server generates alicense certificate to the application or feature, and transmits thelicense certificate to the wireless mobile device. The wireless devicereceives the license certificate, which is stored in local memory.Accordingly, the application or feature is now fully licensed for futureoperation on the wireless mobile device. The license server operatesaccounting processes to generate license reports and license accountinginformation.

In one particular example, a wireless handset is sold to a user with alicensable MP3 decoder. When the user requests that the handset play anMP3 encoded song, the handset uses the MP3 decoder to play the song, andalso generates an irrevocable license request. Immediately, or at alater time if wireless communication was not immediately available, theMP3 license request is transmitted to an MP3 license server, whichconfirms that the handset is authorized to receive an MP3 license. Thelicense server generates an MP3 license certificate to the MP3 decoderand transmits the license certificate to the handset. The handsetreceives the license certificate, which is stored in local memory.Accordingly, the MP3 decoder is now fully licensed for future operationon the handset. The license server operates accounting processes togenerate license reports and license accounting information.

Advantageously, the system for licensing enables a user to seamlesslyaccess and use available technologies, while allowing the handsetmanufacturer or wireless carrier company to pay only for necessarylicenses. Further, license usage is fully documented and managed, toassure that license holders are fully paid, and that licenses areproperly administered.

The present invention further relates to machine readable media on whichare stored embodiments of the present invention. It is contemplated thatany media suitable for storing instructions is within the scope of thepresent invention. By way of example, such media may take the form ofmagnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. The invention also relates todata structures that contain embodiments of the present invention, andto the transmission of data structures containing embodiments of thepresent invention.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparentfrom a reading of the following description, and may be realized bymeans of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed outin the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a process for licensing a mobile MP3 device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process for licensing a mobile MP3 device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a wireless device having a licensablemodule in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for licensing a mobile applicationor device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for licensing a mobile application ordevice in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for licensing a mobile application ordevice in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, method 10 for licensing an application isillustrated. Method 10 operates on a wireless mobile device. Forexample, the wireless mobile device may be a wireless handset, apersonal data assistant, a portable computer, or a wireless module thatis integrated into a larger device. A wireless module is constructed tobe integrated into a larger device and system, and brings wirelessconductivity to the larger device. In one example, a wireless module isincluded in a vehicle, which enables voice and data conductivity througha wireless infrastructure system. It will be appreciated that thewireless mobile device may take alternative forms.

The mobile wireless device has been manufactured to include an MP3decoder. Although method 10 will be described with reference to an MP3application or feature, it will be appreciated that other applicationsor features may be used. For example, video, position location, browser,gaming, and accessory features and applications may also be used. TheMP3 decoder may be provided in hardware, firmware, software or anycombination of hardware and software. The MP3 decoder enables thewireless mobile device to play audio files compressed according to theMP3 standard. However, not all the handsets manufactured with MP3capability will actually be used to play MP3 files. Accordingly, thewireless mobile device is provided to the user with a licensable versionof the MP3 decoder. As a licensable application module, the MP3 decoderis present on the wireless mobile device, but full license fees may nothave been paid to license holders.

One or more owners of intellectual property claim intellectual propertyrights in the MP3 decoder technology. Accordingly, the owners of theunderlying MP3 technology desire to be paid a licensing fee for use ofMP3 decoders. The payment of license fees is relatively straightforwardwhen a device has a single or primary use. For example, a portable MP3player is primarily used for playing MP3 files. In this way, it makeseconomic sense that an MP3 license is purchased for each MP3 player thatis sold. However, MP3 capability is being added to a wide variety ofdevices. For example, a mobile wireless handset has its primary purposeof establishing voice and data conductivity through a wirelessinfrastructure. To make mobile handsets more attractive to consumers,manufacturers have added additional features, such as the ability toplay MP3 files. However, many of the mobile wireless handsets will neverbe used as MP3 players, or a user may have the wireless handset forconsiderable time before first using the MP3 capability. In this regard,it adds additional cost to the handset and an additional burden to thehandset manufacturer to pay for an MP3 license for all handsets sold. Tofacilitate a fair and accountable licensing system, method 10 providesthe wireless mobile device with an MP3 decoder, but does not provide aprepaid license for that decoder. In this way, the manufacturer of themobile device has not had to incur the expense of paying a license feefor including the MP3 decoder in the available feature set for thewireless device. As will be more fully described below, the licensingfee becomes due upon the MP3 decoder's use.

When the mobile user first makes a request to play a song on the mobilewireless handset as shown in block 12, the mobile wireless handsetproceeds to play the song using the licensable MP3 decoder as shown inblock 14. Concurrent with initiating playing of the song, the wirelessmobile handset generates an irrevocable license request as shown inblock 17. Since the mobile user has activated the MP3 decoder, anylicense fees due for that activation must now be paid. The licenserequest is formatted as an SMS text message directed to an MP3 licenseserver, as shown in block 21. The queued message will then betransmitted to the license server when a communication air interface isavailable. In some cases, the air interface will be immediatelyavailable, and in other cases the message may be sent at a later time.In this way, the user may continue to enjoy use of the MP3 player, evenwhen the wireless device is not able to immediately contact the MP3licensing server. It will be appreciated that the air interface may beestablished on an available communication radio, such as a CDMA, WCDMA,CDMA 2000, UMTS, GSM, PHS, Wi-fi, Wi-Max, or PCS communication radio. Itwill be appreciated that existing or evolving communication standardsmay be used, or proprietary commercial or governmental air interfacesmay be used.

Once an air interface has been established, the SMS message istransmitted to the license server. The license server may be operated bythe wireless carrier operator, or may be operated by the handsetmanufacturer. For other types of licensable applications, the server maybe controlled or operated by another entity. The license server confirmsthat the mobile wireless handset making the request is authorized toobtain a license. Upon confirming that the license may be properly sent,the license server generates a license certificate and transmits thelicense certificate to the mobile wireless handset. In one example, thelicense certificate is a license code at least in part derived from thedevice ID of mobile wireless handset. In this way, the transmittedlicense is usable only on the one mobile wireless handset, and a fullaccounting record is available of licensed units.

The license certificate is received at the wireless mobile unit,typically through the SMS transport system. The mobile wireless handsetlocally stores the license code or license certificate as shown in block25. In this way, future uses of the MP3 decoder are authorized withoutneed for further activation steps.

Advantageously, the local user was able to activate and license the MP3decoder without delay, input, or additional cost. In this way, the userexperience is consistent with prior pre-paid licensing systems. However,the handset manufacturer and the carrier have been relieved of theburden of paying for MP3 licenses for all manufactured systems. Instead,the manufacturer or carrier only pays for MP3 decoder licenses that areas actually used by consumers. This more fairly implements a licensingprogram, while assuring the holders of intellectual property properpayment for their technologies. Although method 10 has been describedwith reference to an MP3 decoder, it will be appreciated that otherlicensable application modules may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for licensing an application module isillustrated. Method 50 operates on a mobile wireless handset having alicensable MP3 player. More particularly, the mobile wireless handsethas the MP3 decoder functionality available for use, but a fully paidlicense has not been obtained for the MP3 decoder. A mobile user makes arequest to play an MP3 song on the mobile wireless handset as shown inblock 52. The mobile wireless handset first determines if the MP3 playerhas already obtained a license certificate. If a license certificate hasbeen obtained as shown in block 54, then the song is normally played asshown in block 56. However, if no license has been obtained as shown inblock 59, then the mobile wireless handset generates an irrevocablelicense request as shown in block 61. Since the mobile wireless handsetis now irrevocably proceeding to obtain a paid license, the mobilewireless handset activates the MP3 decoder and plays the requested songas shown in block 63. In this way, the user is unaware that a license isbeing obtained, thereby maintaining expected consumer performance. Thelicense request is queued as an SMS message and routed to an MP3 licenseserver as shown in block 65. For accounting and security purposes, theSMS message may include the unique device ID of the mobile wirelesshandset. Although method 50 has been described using SMS as the messagetransport system, it will be appreciated that other transport systemsmay be used. The license server confirms that the mobile wirelesshandset is authorized to receive a license, and communicates a licensecertificate back to the mobile wireless handset. The license certificatemay be sent via the SMS system, and is received by the mobile wirelesshandset as shown in block 67. The wireless handset then stores thelicense certificate as shown in block 69, thereby enabling future use ofthe MP3 decoder without taking further licensing steps as shown in block72.

It will be appreciated that a mobile wireless handset may at timesoperate in geographies and positions where an air interface is notobtainable for an extended period of time, and therefore the wirelessdevice and MP3 licensing server can not communicate. For example, somephones may allow its communication radio to be disabled during airplaneflights, while still allowing other functions such as schedulers, to dotasks, and MP3 players to operate. In another example, phones may betaken to geographies where authorized carriers do not operate. In theseinstances, a consumer may still desire to use the non-radio functions,such as the MP3 player. To facilitate extended use when no air interfaceis available, process 74 is used to supplement method 50. It will beunderstood that process 50 may be operated in way that allows a periodof time to pass from when the MP3 player is first used and when thelicense request is made to the MPS licensing server. This timer periodmay be set, for example, to a few minutes, or for several days. It willbe appreciated that the specific time period allowed may be setaccording to application , network, licensor, and device requirements.If the time period runs out, then the right to use the MP3 may berevoked, but the license request is still irrevocable.

Process 74 is used when the mobile user has requested to use the MP3player, but no air interface is obtainable for an extended period. Asshown in block 75, the process 74 begins with a determination that theMP3 decoder is currently unlicensed and it is not possible to transmit alicense request over an air interface. Accordingly, the mobile wirelesshandset may include a temporary use indicator that allows for use of theMP3 player even when no air interface is obtainable. In one example, thetemporary indicator is a counter which counts the number of times theMP3 decoder has been activated without license, or may track the totalnumber of minutes the MP3 decoder is used without full license. If useis allowed, as shown in block 76, then the song will be allowed to playnormally as shown in block 63. However, if use is not allowed as shownin block 78, then a message may be displayed to the user as shown inblock 81. The message could indicate, for example, that the user mustmove to a place where an air interface is obtainable before being ableto use the MP3 player.

Referring now to FIG. 3, wireless device 100 is illustrated. Wirelessdevice 100 includes housing 102 constructed and sized for portability.Housing 102 includes textual or graphical display 104, input controls106, and speaker 108. The construction and design of mobile wirelesshandsets is known and, for brevity, will not be described in detailherein. Further, it will be appreciated that some modules and componentshave been removed from FIG. 3 to facilitate ease of explanation. Mobilehandset 102 also includes processor 110 for operating call processingand application functions. Processor 110 cooperates with memory 112 inproviding these call processing and application functions. Memory 112may also be used, for example, for storing MP3 audio files. Wirelesshandset 100 also includes radio 114 for establishing a communicationlink through infrastructure. Radio 114 may comply with one or morecommunication standards.

Mobile wireless handset 100 also includes licensed module 117. In oneexample, licensed module 117 is an MP3 decoder system. It will beunderstood that the MP3 decoder may be provided as hardware, firmware,software, or a combination. It will also be understood that licensedmodule 117 may provide other types of functionality and applicationsupport. For example, licensed module 117 may be video, audio, gaming,or position location applications. Licensed module 117 is provided tothe consumer in a licensable form. That is, the module is constructedfor immediate use, but the manufacturer or carrier has not paid for anoperational license. Accordingly, when a user first activates licensedmodule 117, radio 114 uses license transport 121 to request a fulllicense to use licensed module 117. In one example, license transport121 is an SMS transport system. It will be appreciated that othertransport systems may be used.

In communicating with a license server, device ID 125 may becommunicated as part of the license request. It will also be appreciatedthat the license certificate generated by the license server may usedevice ID 125 as part of the algorithm to generate the licensecertificate. When the license certificate is received through licensetransport 121, the license certificate is locally stored as shown inblock 123. Thereby, when the user desires to use the license moduleanother time, the license information is stored locally, so additionallicensing steps are not needed.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a system for licensing an application isillustrated. System 150 has many mobile devices such as mobile device152 and mobile device 154. The system has communication infrastructure156 for establishing a communication link between the mobile devices andapplication licensing server 158. In one example, the communicationinfrastructure and mobile devices operate according to a communicationstandard, such as CDMA, WCDMA, CDMA 2000, GSM, UMTS, or another existingor revolving communication standard. It will also be understood that thecommunication infrastructure and mobile devices may operate according toproprietary government, military, or commercial standards. Each of themobile devices, such as mobile device 152 has unique device ID 161.Unique device ID is used to enhance security, as well as relate specificoperational licenses to a specific mobile device. Each mobile device 152also includes license request process 163, similar to license requestprocess as described with reference to FIG. 1. Each of the mobiledevices has also been manufactured and provided to consumers withlicensable product 165. Licensable product 165 is ready for executionand use by the user, however, a fully paid license has not beenobtained. Using mobile device 152 as an example, when mobile device 152first activates licensable product 165, license request process 163generates a license request and transmits the license request throughcommunication infrastructure 156 to application license server 158. Itwill be understood that the license request may be made a time periodafter the user has initiated use of the licensable product. The initialrequest to operate the licensable product may be made by the user, or itmay be made responsive to a remote request. In one example, thelicensable product is an MP3 decoder, and the user makes a request byattempting to play an MP3 encoded song. In another example, thelicensable product is a video decompression process, and the process isinitiated responsive to receiving a video from communicationinfrastructure 156.

The application license server receives the license request from mobiledevice 152, and confirms that device ID 161 is included in its list ofauthorized devices 183. By confirming that mobile device 152 is aproperly authorized device, the handset manufacturer or wireless carriercan confirm that they are responsible for paying the license fee foractivating licensable product 165. If device ID 161 is not included indevice ID list 183, then the license server 158 would not generator alicense certificate, and further may generate a command to deactivatelicensable product 165. License server 158 also includes license rules185, which typically have been negotiated with the owners of theunderlying intellectual property. These license rules may include, forexample, tiered pricing for numbers of activations, or allow thelicensable product to be activated in different ways. For example,mobile device 152 may be provided with both an MP3 decoder and an MP3encoder. The license fee may vary depending on whether one or both ofthe functions are used.

When the license server has confirmed that the mobile device 152 isproperly authorized, and has applied the appropriate license rule,mobile device 152 is indicated on licensed device list 188.Concurrently, application server 158 generates a license certificate tobe communicated to mobile device 152. The license certificate may begenerated in part using device ID 161. In this way, the specific licensecertificate generated for mobile device 152 may be used only on thatdevice. Further, correlating device ID with license certificates enablesthorough and accurate accounting for license requests and licensegrants. Since the mobile device 152 is now being licensed to use thelicensable product 165, a license payment report 191 is generated. Thelicense payment report may include sending additional funds to theowners of intellectual property, or may indicate another license hasbeen consumed under a prepaid quantity agreement. It will be appreciatedthat the license arrangement, license recording, and license paymentprocedures may vary according to commercial needs. In one example, thelicense payment report along with royalty payments may be forwarded tothe license owner 195. Once the license certificate is received at themobile device, the license certificates are locally stored at the mobiledevice, and the licensable product becomes fully licensed as shown bylicensed product 176. Since mobile device 154 is fully licensed, it nolonger needs to use license request process 174 to use licensed product176. Instead, whenever mobile device 154 desires to use licensedproduct, the device ID is confirmed to relate to the licensecertificate, and the licensed product operates.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for licensing and application isillustrated. Method 200 has a local application available but notlicensed on a wireless mobile device as shown in block 202. Responsiveto a local or a remote request, the local application is activated asshown in block 204. If a radio communication link is active as shown inblock 206, then a license request is generated as shown in block 208.The license request is transmitted to a license application server asshown in block 211. As described earlier, the license request may betransmitted using an SMS transport system, and may occur at a latertime. The local application, even though not fully licensed, is locallyactivated as shown in block 213. After the license server has confirmedthe eligibility of the wireless device, license certificate or codes arereceived from the application server as shown in block 215. The mobiledevice stores these license certificates and codes locally as shown inblock 217. In this way, future uses are not authorized and licenserequest steps need not be taken again.

In some cases, when the local application is activated as shown in block204, the radio communication link may not be active as shown in block222. If an air interface is not currently available for an extend periodof time, the mobile wireless device may recall a temporary use counteras shown in block 224. The temporary use counter allows for temporary orshort-term usage of the local application even when communication withthe license server is not available. The temporary use counter mayindicate that use is available according to the temporary counter asshown in block 226. For example, the temporary use counter may counttotal minutes that the application has been used, or the number of timesthat the application has been activated without obtaining a license.Provided use is still available, the local application can be activatedas shown in block 228. Of course, the counter will decrement accordingto block 231. Further, a prior use flag may be set as shown in block233. This prior use flag may be used to further assure that a properlicense is obtained the next time an air interface is obtained. Inanother example, the prior use flag may be checked each time the mobiledevice is activated. That way, when the phone is next activated, if theuse flag is set then the mobile device may operate the license requestprocess and pay for the use and obtain a license certificate. Sometimes,however, no use will be available in the temporary use counter as shownin block 241. In this case, the display may present a message to theuser explaining that the local application is not available and the usershould move to a location where an air interface may be obtained so thatthe license certificate may be downloaded.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method for licensing an application on awireless mobile device is described. Method 150 is a continuation ofmethod 200 described with reference to FIG. 5. More particularly, method250 describes a use for the prior use flag as set in block 233 of FIG.5. The mobile device is operating and has an active air interface asshown in block 252. It is not necessary that the local application becurrently operating. The mobile device checks the prior use flag, and ifthe use flag is not set as shown in block 269, the mobile devicecontinues to operate normally as shown in block 272. However, if theprior use flag is set as shown in block 255, then the mobile deviceproceeds to request a license. More particularly, the mobile devicegenerates a license request as shown in block 257. The license requestis transmitted to an application server as shown in block 259, forexample, using an SMS transport system. After the application server hasconfirmed that the mobile device is eligible for license, the licenseserver generates a license certificate and transmits the license code orcertificate to the mobile device. The mobile device then receives thelicense certificate or code as shown in block 262. The mobile devicestores the local license certificate or code as shown about 264. In thisway, when the local application is next activated, the licensecertificate is locally available and the local application will run as afully licensed application. After obtaining a license, the mobile deviceoperates normally as shown in block 272. Method 250 shows one example ofhow a license request may be made irrevocable. It will be appreciatedthat other processes may be used.

While the invention has been described in connection with a number ofembodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular forms set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for licensing an application on awireless mobile device, the method comprising: receiving a request touse the application; determining that the application has not beenlicensed; determining whether an air interface is available; when no airinterface is available, retrieving a temporary use indicator from thewireless mobile device; and activating the application only if thetemporary use indicator permits activation.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the application is an MP3 decoder.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the request is a key-input request from auser of the mobile phone to play an MP3 encoded song.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: when the air interface isavailable: generating a license request for a license of theapplication; activating the application; transmitting the licenserequest; and receiving a license certificate for the application.
 5. Themethod according to claim 4, wherein transmitting the license requestfurther comprises formatting an SMS message and sending the SMS message.6. The method according to claim 4, further comprising storing thelicense certificate in the wireless mobile device.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: when the air interface isactive, activating the application on the wireless communication deviceafter receiving the request and before the license certificate has beenreceived.
 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the transmittingcomprises transmitting the license request to a license server andwherein the license certificate is transmitted by the license server inresponse to a determination at the license server that the wirelessmobile device is authorized to receive the license.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the license is associated with a licensefee due for activation of the application. 10-18. (canceled)
 19. Amethod for licensing an application on a wireless mobile device, themethod comprising: determining, by the wireless mobile device, that theapplication has not obtained a license certificate to operate on thewireless mobile device; receiving a first request to use the applicationon the wireless mobile device; determining, by the wireless mobiledevice, whether an air interface is active; and in response todetermining that the no air interface is active, retrieving a temporaryuse indicator and activating the application only if the temporary useindicator permits the activation.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: in response to determining that the air interface is active:activating the application on the wireless mobile device after receivingthe first request to use the application and before the licensecertificate for the application has been received; generating a licenserequest for the application on the wireless mobile device; formattingthe license request as an SMS message; transmitting the license requestto an application license server; and receiving, at the wireless mobiledevice, the application license for the application, wherein theapplication license is associated with a license fee due for activationof the application after the first request for the application.
 21. Themethod according to claim 20, wherein generating the license requestfurther comprises retrieving a device identifier (ID) stored in thewireless mobile device.
 22. The method according to claim 19, furthercomprising storing the license certificate in the wireless mobiledevice.
 23. A licensing process operating on a licensing system, thesystem comprising a licensing server and a wireless mobile device, theprocess comprising: determining, by the wireless mobile device, whethera license certificate associated with a licensable version of anapplication has been received; providing a licensable version of theapplication on a wireless mobile device, wherein the license certificatefor the application has not been received; receiving a first request touse the application on the wireless mobile device, wherein theapplication has not been licensed for use on the wireless mobile device;determining, by the wireless mobile device, whether an air interface isactive, wherein if no air interface is active, the wireless mobiledevice updates a locally stored temporary use indicator on the wirelessmobile device to indicate the application has been activated; wherein ifan air interface is active, the method further comprises: generating alicense request for the application on the wireless mobile device;formatting the license request as an SMS message; activating theapplication on the wireless mobile device after receiving the firstrequest to use the application and before the license certificate forthe application has been received; maintaining, on the licensing server,a list of mobile devices that are preconfigured to operate a licensablemodule for the application that is operable on the list of mobiledevices; receiving notification from the wireless mobile device that oneof the listed mobile devices is operating the licensable module when theapplication is activated on the listed mobile device; transmitting,responsive to the notification, the license certificate from thelicensing server to the wireless mobile device operating the licensablemodule, wherein the license certificate is associated with a license feedue for activation of the application; generating an activation reportat the licensing server indicating that the license certificate has beentransmitted; and confirming with the licensing server that the reportedlicense has been properly granted.
 24. The licensing process accordingto claim 23, wherein the confirming comprises making a payment to alicense owner for the license.
 25. The licensing process according toclaim 23, wherein the receiving comprises receiving a unique deviceidentifier (ID) and using the unique device ID to generate the license.